Hundreds of bikers set for funeral of brave teen
HUNDREDS of bikers from across the UK are expected to turn out today to escort the body of a Lanarkshire teenager on his final journey after a viral appeal.
Douglas Barclay, 16, passed away at the beginning of the month. As an organ donor, the young man has managed to save three lives.
The Motherwell youngest suffered from West syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy which causes prolonged and repeated seizures.
He died after suffering a seizure that stopped his heart, resulting in a brain injury from lack of oxygen, a family member said.
His heartbroken uncle, Craig Morris, issued an appeal on Facebook in a bid to organise a fitting, final tribute to his motorbike-daft nephew.
A week later, Craig described how around 300 to 400 bikers will descend on the town today.
He said: “I am very good friends with the owner of Route 66 in Motherwell, who has been an enormous help and has organised marshals and a police escort.
“I’m going to be riding upfront and it will be very emotional.”
“It’s been a really difficult time for all the family, but we would like to thank everyone who has responded and also to the staff at the University Hospital Wishaw ACC (Adult Critical Care) unit for all their support,” he added.
Devastated Craig wrote in his original appeal: “I can’t put it into words. I lost my nephew Douglas on February 8. I’m asking for any biker available on February 16 to escort my nephew as he loved his uncle Craig’s motorbike.
“This would make his world. This wee man donated his organs to save another three lives.”
His heart-rending plea received almost 40,000 shares in just five days.
Relative Kirsty Morris is spearheading a fundraising drive to raise as much money as possible in memory of Douglas for Mavisbank School and Barnardo’s.
With a goal of £1000, Kirsty wrote in the JustGiving page: “Douglas suffered from West syndrome since birth and and was profoundly disabled.
“His school, Mavisbank in Airdrie, was a huge part of his life and they cared for him so well. Barnardo’s carers took Douglas out for respite and he had lots of fun times with them.
“As a family, we would like to raise money in Douglas’ memory that would allow his school and Barnardo’s to continue to provide care, activities and outings to other disabled children.”
In just three days, almost £600 has been raised by kind-hearted members of the public.
One touching message from a donor said: “By all accounts, an outstanding young man who touched many lives.”
Another added: “My heart goes out to all the family and all who knew and cared for Douglas.”
Donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/douglasbarclay memorialfund.
The motorbike procession was to leave Scotia Street in Motherwell at 9.30am today and escort Douglas on his final journey to Holytown Crematorium.